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Today's Opinions

Administrative law judge Lisa Nelson recently ruled that I, as former principal of Carter-Parramore Academy, was justified in using pepper spray during two altercations at the school in 2007. The Florida Department of Education had sought to revoke my certification as an educator.

However, after an evidentiary hearing, the judged ruled that I did what any reasonable person should have done to protect himself, his staff and students from two dangerous situations. Nelson confirmed that I had violated no laws and was not guilty of violating any of the rules of the FDOE.

In my opinion, there is no legitimate reason for county EMS director Brian Beasley to suffer suspension for doing an excellent job. Almost every week, Brian is on TV bringing in grants to Gadsden County. Unlike the US Army, whose mission is to kill, Beasley's job is to save lives.

If an ambulance reaches a citizen's residence late, it's not Beasley's fault.

Beasley does not need to be home, but rather on the job so that he can continue to be instrumental in saving lives.

I worked with the Gadsden County hospital when it was moved from what is now the Gadsden County Sheriff's Offices. In the 2 years I worked with the hospital, my hours were cut twice from 40 hours per week to 20 hours a week. This was in the mid-1980s. The hospital didn't make enough money then and hasn't since that time.

On April 26, 2007, I had an occasion whereby I had to use the services of the Urgent Care. I have Medicare and a supplement insurance that pays what Medicare doesn't.

I fell victim to a nasty sinus infection last week. I think it had been coming on for several days, as I’d been sniffly and sneezy for a while, along with a few other symptoms, including a headache and achy joints.

But I quickly made my way to the doctor, and got a Z-Pack, which is a fast way to get over anything that ails you.

Last week a young man from Florida A&M University called me. He said he was a journalism student and was interested in a career shadowing experience. My first thought was that I was busy Thursday with a trial, my regular work and a lecture at the art center. I did not want to be a babysitter for someone who, when they found out that journalists make no money, would run for a higher paying job.

Gadsden County has many polite and helpful people. I have had the opportunity to meet many during the past two weeks while campaigning for the District 7 (Wakulla) position on the board of the Talquin Electric Cooperative. People have listened carefully to my explanation of the petition process by which my name appears on the ballot, have asked thoughtful questions and have expressed some concerns. Mostly they have really been gracious to a stranger.

They tore our high school down. Now, that will frost your wheat cakes. Most of us were out of town when it happened. I have no idea who makes those kinds of decisions. I’m sure it had something to do with growth, progress and asbestos-free ceiling tile. I don’t believe anyone in our class got a vote in the deal.

Aw, shucks! The ball bounced weakly on two hops right back to the pitcher. My heart sank. With men on second and third I had dug in just seconds before thinking I was going to be the hero. It was not to be the case this at-bat. A thousand thoughts raced through my head as the ball sank into the pitcher’s mitt, none of them good. Failure is not a pleasant companion. I was already two steps toward first base, going through the motions of hustling out the play.